Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd): Psalm 23            

Psalm 23

I cannot even imagine how many words have been written or spoken in the exposition of this golden poetry. In the West, I believe one would be hard pressed to find someone who may not know the entire psalm, but who at least would nod in recognition of this psalm’s opening. “The LORD is my shepherd ….” I never want this psalm to be cavalier to my heart. Miraculous it is, that for all the “community” speak in the Bible, those things written to remind God’s people that they are a people, this psalm opens with an immensely personal quality. Surely there are other passages that refer to God as “my God.” But this one exceeds them all. At least in my opinion.

I need a Shepherd for the precise reason that I am a dumb sheep. In fact, if you’re not willing to admit to that then you certainly will never gain what God intends you to receive from this psalm. I exult in the words, “The LORD is my shepherd,” precisely because I have come to know my need for Him. And that knowledge even came to my mind and heart because of his activity before I even realized he was for me. Now anyone may have this same strain of relationship with the LORD. And there is something beautiful in this thought. Anyone can. But no one can have my relationship with him. We are still a flock of sheep and that never dwindles in importance. But the truth remains, when I pray psalm 23, for a brief moment I am addressing my shepherd. I know him and he knows me. There is nothing more wonderful.